How do you like going into the year with HIGH expectations?

[BFritz21]

(08-08-2023, 12:22 PM)WeezyBengal Wrote: Ever since I began following this team (mid 90s), there haven't been a ton of high expectations going into a season. Sure we have had some decent teams (Palmer, Dalton) but even with those teams, I didn't really think it was ever Super Bowl or bust unless the stars truly aligned. Getting a playoff win was always kind of the goal in my mind.

Well, now that has changed. We have firmly gotten over the hump and have been to two straight AFC Championship games.

So, my question to you is this:

How do you feel going into the season where the expecations are mainly AFC Championship game/Super Bowl or bust? Do you like it more or less than "having an outside shot at a Super Bowl"? Do you like being the favorite?

Every game is going to matter that much more. The 1 seed is now at a premium. Every game wil be that more stressful. It's a good and bad thing. Good in the sense that there are higher expectations because we actually have a good team, but bad in the sense that it does bring that stress, anxiety, and sense or urgency.

I get it because I'm the same way.

I loved Palmer and thought he would win us a title. I bought tickets to every game for years.

I did the same when Dalton was here and always had hopes that he'd at least win us a playoff game but that was more just blind hope and loyalty.

I don't think we're the favorite with the Chiefs (and, to a lesser extent, the Bills), but I think we're definitely on the same level as both of them.

I do think we can handle the Chiefs in head-to-head and have a better record than them if our line holds up, but I just think we need to put it on the field first

I think we easily get to the AFC Championship and can win as long as our line holds up, but that's still a big question mark for me.

Having said all that, knowing now that we are contenders, the outside thoughts of all the "experts" and the rest of the public doesn't mean anything to me.